You have lineup questions, we have lineup answers -- at least we hope so. Start 'Em, Sit 'Em is here to help fantasy managers make difficult roster decisions. And you know what is a good move? Starting Justin Jefferson. But that's too obvious, so you won't see such simple analysis here. Instead, we're exploring more debatable situations. And if you can't find a player you are looking for, please check out the latest NFL Fantasy lineup rankings. Unless otherwise noted, all stats come from NFL Pro, Next Gen Stats or NFL Research.
Start 'Em
Things have not gone well for the Jaguars this season. In the last two weeks, Trevor Lawrence has turned the ball over four times. Minnesota's defense brings a safe fantasy floor, and we've seen the unit log a number of big games, as well. Pairing the Vikings' average output with this favorable matchup, Minnesota's D is very much in play this week.
The Chargers' defense scored 16 fantasy points last week. The unit scored 12 points the week prior and has now notched 11-plus fantasy points four times. Plus, we have seen the Titans give up big fantasy days with both of their starting QBs. In total, Tennessee has allowed the second-most fantasy PPG to opposing defenses. Keep riding with the Bolts if you have been streaming them.
Drake Maye has brought excitement back to New England. But while he is fun and has elevated the Patriots' offense, he's still had issues with sacks and turnovers. The rookie QB has six giveaways in four starts and the opposing defense has logged multiple sacks in each of those four games (with four sacks in two). Chicago's defense has been up and down for fantasy purposes, but there is potential for this to be a big game.
The Patriots' defense is not normally in play for fantasy purposes. The unit has not reached double digits since Week 1. This week, though, with four teams on bye, the matchup has New England in play as a streaming option. Caleb Williams and the Bears have taken sacks at the fourth-highest rate this season. Sacks lead to fantasy points.
With Dak Prescott out and CeeDee Lamb's status up in the air, Dallas' offense appears quite overmatched in this divisional bout. We saw backup QB Cooper Rush start five games for the Cowboys in 2022. In those five games, he averaged just 191 passing yards and one passing touchdown per outing. He was sacked just five total times in those five games, but Dallas' offensive line was vastly superior then. The Cowboys averaged 21 offensive PPG in that span. Oh, and the Eagles got Rush for three interceptions in the lone game they faced him that year. Much has changed since then, but given the underwhelming state of the 2024 Cowboys’ offense even at full health, we're definitely picking on the backup QB in this spot.
Sit 'Em
The Texans have been a reliable defense for fantasy purposes this season. But they're about to run into a buzzsaw. Detroit's offense is on a tear right now -- a highly efficient one. The Lions had scored over 30 real-life points in four straight before playing in a rain-soaked game last week. They are back indoors this week. Don’t play fantasy defenses against them.
Denver has been one of the best fantasy defenses this season. Still, I do not like starting defenses against the Chiefs. They have taken sacks at the seventh-lowest rate in the league. On the season, they have allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy PPG to defenses. Even though they're not the offensive juggernaut they used to be, it's not smart to start defenses against the Chiefs.
Tampa Bay's defense had a stretch where it looked like it could be used in streaming matchups. That has not been the case as of late. The Buccaneers' D has scored five fantasy points or fewer in four of five games. Todd Bowles' group struggled against the Ravens, Falcons (twice) and Chiefs -- all good offenses. Which is exactly what the 49ers boast. This season, the Niners have allowed the eighth-fewest fantasy PPG to defenses.
Baltimore has a reputation of being a strong defensive team. That's just not the case this season. Last week was the first time all year the unit reached double-digit fantasy points. When the Ravens played the Bengals in Week 5, Baltimore's D scored just one fantasy point. The floor is low and the ceiling isn’t very high. The risk is not worth the reward here.
The Cowboys' defense is simply not the force it was in years past. Since Week 2, the unit has scored a total of 12 fantasy points, recording four or fewer points in all but one of those games. Three times, the D has scored negative points. Now the 'Boys face the rival Eagles, who have a ton of offensive firepower. There is no way you can trust Dallas' defense here.
